tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50264441085879387762018-03-02T11:53:56.793-05:00The Stanfield Storythis is our story... the way I see it... all for God's glory!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-20134111867072520552014-05-09T16:22:00.000-04:002014-05-09T16:22:32.343-04:00being a mommaI love being a momma.&nbsp; <br /><br />I know that this is just what God intended for me.<br /><br />Not everyday is rosy and precious (cue <a href="http://www.jenhatmaker.com/blog" target="_blank">Jen Hatmaker's</a> voice), but it is the best job and the hardest job ever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uU12_n2oBhc/U20xiwGSmkI/AAAAAAAAB7o/jQrjFFe0iV4/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uU12_n2oBhc/U20xiwGSmkI/AAAAAAAAB7o/jQrjFFe0iV4/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sometimes it's hard to imagine what life was like before this cute little food stealer, puzzle builder, princess loving, lady came along!<br /><br />We must have had so much time on our hands!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPN-TD03hwU/U20y994fa_I/AAAAAAAAB70/qSWntPEuq9Y/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPN-TD03hwU/U20y994fa_I/AAAAAAAAB70/qSWntPEuq9Y/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>But even though life can get a little busy now, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world!&nbsp; <br /><br />This girl is LIGHT and being her momma is the best!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9I_LCatXRc/U200uWGy36I/AAAAAAAAB8A/zQluNlRFEQA/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9I_LCatXRc/U200uWGy36I/AAAAAAAAB8A/zQluNlRFEQA/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-706256565049376572014-05-02T15:17:00.001-04:002014-05-02T15:17:13.530-04:00don't ya just wish...Because it's Friday... and because this is my little corner of the world wide web... and well... just because...<br /><br />Don't ya just wish that when you cleaned your house, it actually could STAY clean for longer than .2 seconds?&nbsp; My <a href="http://www.surrealgrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">great and funny friend</a> always says that cleaning your house with&nbsp;little people around&nbsp;is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.&nbsp; I really couldn't agree with her more!&nbsp; I'm sitting here staring at junk strewn all over my kitchen... and living room... and laundry room (there's more junk strewn but that's all I can see from my vantage point) and I'm not the least bit motivated to pick it all up because I know it will all be scattered to the four winds again as soon as my "little helper" rises from her momentary slumber.&nbsp; Oy vey.&nbsp; <br /><br />Don't ya just wish that getting a manicure and pedicure was covered on your insurance without a&nbsp;co-pay?&nbsp; Kinda like "preventative care"!&nbsp; Because if you think about it, it kinda is "preventative care" for my emotional well-being!&nbsp; But since it is currently not covered by my insurance and my sweet but very practical hubby doesn't see the "need" in it, it doesn't happen as often as <strike>I would like</strike> it should.&nbsp; Maybe that's a platform worth running for President on?!?&nbsp; Maybe.&nbsp; <br /><br />Don't ya just wish naptime could last forever?&nbsp; My girl is trying to drop her nap but yet she still needs it.&nbsp; And I still need for her to need it.&nbsp; She gets too grumpy if she misses yet if she takes a good one, she's up till midnight.&nbsp; Again... oy vey.&nbsp; When am I supposed to pick up all the junk if she doesn't nap?&nbsp; Oh right... I'm not gonna pick it up if she's napping anyway but that's not the point!<br /><br />And finally, don't ya just wish this weather could last forever?&nbsp; Today is perfect.&nbsp; Not too hot and not too cool with a slight breeze and a few fluffy white clouds in the sky.&nbsp; <br /><br />Thank you God for beautiful days... and for a home to clean... and for a few moments of quiet... and for the ability to afford the occasional mani/pedi.&nbsp; I think it's going to be a wonderful weekend!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-33739543003001060082014-04-29T14:03:00.001-04:002014-04-29T14:03:34.675-04:00latelyLately...<br /><br />A lot has been on my heart lately...&nbsp; And a lot of it has to do with God's word for me this year - wait.<br /><br />I like to jump in with both feet then look around to make sure it's safe.... sometimes after I'm already hurt!<br /><br />But lately, I have been trying diligently to heed God's word for me and wait.&nbsp; I'm waiting to jump.&nbsp; I'm waiting to say "yes".&nbsp; I'm waiting to go and do.&nbsp; <br /><br />The whole time I'm waiting, I wonder what exactly I'm waiting on... or waiting for... <br /><br />I believe that our God is a God of miracles.&nbsp; I totally believe that He is still in that business of "turning water into wine".... or in my case my "jump then look" into something a little more productive.<br /><br />And you know what?&nbsp; During these past few months of waiting and leaning into God... learning, reading, praying, and really seeking Him...<br /><br />He has shown up.&nbsp; In BIG ways.&nbsp; <br /><br />Isn't that such a "DUH!?!" but for me it really kinda is!<br /><br />I'm not ready yet (on this blog) to say just how He's shown up but He has.&nbsp; <br /><br />Friends around me have, unknowingly, pointed me in the same direction He has been pointing for some time.<br /><br />Even my sweet hubs has pointed me (like he consistently does) towards what God would have me do in this season rather than affirming anything else.&nbsp; He's good like that!&nbsp; ;-)<br /><br />I think it's so neat to be able to look back over a month or two or more and see just how masterfully God has been weaving things together.&nbsp; <br /><br />And so, I'm excited about what He has for me in this season of waiting.&nbsp; I'm anticipating God to speak into my heart and my life... like He already has and continues to do.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div align="center">"Comfort, oh comfort my people,"</div><div align="center">says your God.</div><div align="center">"Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear</div><div align="center">That she has served her sentence, that her sin in taken care of - forgiven!</div><div align="center">She's been punished enough and more than enough and now it's over and done with."</div><div align="center">Thunder in the desert!</div><div align="center">"Prepare for God's arrival!</div><div align="center">Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God.</div><div align="center">Fill the valleys, level off the hills,</div><div align="center">Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks.</div><div align="center"><strong>Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Yes.&nbsp; Just as God has said.</strong>﻿</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">Isaiah 40:1-5 (msg translation... emphasis mine)</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-12959254087793758092014-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-24T08:00:10.862-05:00just for funI feel like life has been a little heavy lately...<br /><br />Okay, a&nbsp;LOT heavy...<br /><br />big major questions and life altering answers...<br /><br />not just in my family but in families all around us...<br /><br />But I know that God promises abundant blessings on His people...<br /><br />so, just a little bit of fun for you (and a major photo dump)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKUY3y_Xco0/UuF-oSqs1UI/AAAAAAAAB3E/QvU4yGqrnHw/s1600/IMG_6224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKUY3y_Xco0/UuF-oSqs1UI/AAAAAAAAB3E/QvU4yGqrnHw/s1600/IMG_6224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;When you "blog" like I do, you get around to posting Halloween pictures in January... whatev.&nbsp; Our Pocahontas had so much fun this year!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wo3XF7ue7SQ/UuF-3i6L6yI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/bBVL2Mhwg4k/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wo3XF7ue7SQ/UuF-3i6L6yI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/bBVL2Mhwg4k/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Thank you, Chick-fil-A, for chicken tortilla soup and (on good tummy days) salad with your berry balsamic dressing.&nbsp; Please keep these around forever.&nbsp; Please?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsGdYn87pnI/UuF-2yWcJUI/AAAAAAAAB3M/cuI7AVLQaaY/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsGdYn87pnI/UuF-2yWcJUI/AAAAAAAAB3M/cuI7AVLQaaY/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Once a week, I have the absolute privilege to volunteer with <a href="http://www.wearelazarus.org/" target="_blank">Lazarus Ministries</a> at <a href="http://www.cityofrefugeatl.org/" target="_blank">City of Refuge.</a>&nbsp; I get to play with the cutest kiddos while their mommas learn foundational financial concepts.&nbsp; If you need to get plugged in with an amazing organization, contact Lazarus.&nbsp; They are doing amazing things in our city!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZV3MAh313g/UuF_zCQuFsI/AAAAAAAAB3w/5ADZyXHvohM/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZV3MAh313g/UuF_zCQuFsI/AAAAAAAAB3w/5ADZyXHvohM/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Okay, ya'll... this stuff is super addictive.&nbsp; Maybe it's because <a href="http://www.paigeknudsen.noondaycollection.com/" target="_blank">Noonday Collection</a> was started as an adoption fundraiser (and that speaks to this momma's heart) or maybe it's because their sole purpose is to help mommas around the world create pathways out of poverty for their own families... or maybe it's because their jewelry and accessories are just to die for beautiful... Whatever the case, I cannot get enough.&nbsp; I wholeheartedly believe in what they are doing and holy cow do I love this jewelry!&nbsp; Don't worry friends, I'll be having another trunk show soon!&nbsp; **Spring Line debuts February 20th!**<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umfqaqG__NI/UuF_xlJSP3I/AAAAAAAAB3c/dQ_HTj7g16Q/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umfqaqG__NI/UuF_xlJSP3I/AAAAAAAAB3c/dQ_HTj7g16Q/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Again, because I'm an awesome <em>bloggger</em> (ha!), here's a picture of my sweet family... cutting down our Christmas tree!&nbsp; It was a first for me but it was lots of fun!&nbsp; You know it's gonna be a good time when you drive up and they literally hand you a saw through the window of your car!&nbsp; :-)&nbsp; This will be a tradition from here on out!&nbsp; Very Clark Griswold... without the giant roots... or crazed squirrel... or Cousin Eddie.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHiLjyZov1k/UuF_yAAH8NI/AAAAAAAAB3g/zpYX0UD-ca4/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHiLjyZov1k/UuF_yAAH8NI/AAAAAAAAB3g/zpYX0UD-ca4/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;My girl at a Georgia Tech football game this fall!&nbsp; She was so thrilled that a real, live "chee-lee-dah" let her hold the big, gold pom pom!&nbsp; It is always a fun family time on the Flats!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwBjMN2JemE/UuF_yhL3A_I/AAAAAAAAB3k/L08cKPvSJPc/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwBjMN2JemE/UuF_yhL3A_I/AAAAAAAAB3k/L08cKPvSJPc/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" /></a></div>And from the Chick-fil-A Christmas Open House... my sweet girl in Mr. Cathy's office... such an amazing family and incredible company to work for.&nbsp; We are so thankful.&nbsp; <br /><br />Okay... hopefully those put a smile on your face... and if not, well... shop <a href="http://www.paigeknudsen.noondaycollection.com/" target="_blank">Noonday Collection's</a> sale for some awesome deals right now!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-91717946807251051002014-01-22T10:18:00.002-05:002014-01-22T10:18:55.763-05:00one yearIt really is amazing what a difference one year can make!&nbsp; <br /><br />It was nearly one year ago that my baby stopped sleeping in her baby crib.<br /><br />It was nearly one year ago that my girl had some scary health issues that landed us in the CHOA ER not once but twice in a matter of weeks.<br /><br />It was nearly one year ago that we (more <em>me</em> than <em>we</em> but that's another post for another day&nbsp;anyway...) decided I would take a "part time", short term&nbsp;job.<br /><br />It's been just over a year since my hubby had his first ever surgery.<br /><br />It's been nearly a year since I was introduced to Jen Hatmaker.&nbsp; (not literally... just her books and way of thinking...&nbsp; I did actually meet her this past September... and I ugly cried... not my proudest moment.)<br /><br />It's been about a year since I started listening to that whisper in my heart.&nbsp; God was trying to get my attention.&nbsp; It took about a year.&nbsp; I'm hard headed.&nbsp; :-)<br /><br />My word for this year - wait - comes after a year of running... even racing... toward what <strong>I</strong> thought was right and good.<br /><br />My intentions were well meaning but it was still I and ME instead of Him.&nbsp; <br /><br />Learning to lean into His will daily is difficult for this planner.&nbsp; I like a full calendar of events and plans and To Do's but I'm learning that slowing down in order to listen... that's most important.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div align="center"><em>"But what if God's will was never intended to be found?&nbsp; In fact, what if it was never hidden from us in the first place?&nbsp; What if God the Father has not sent his children on a cosmic Easter egg hunt to discover his will while he sits back in heaven saying, 'You're getting colder... warmer... colder...'?&nbsp; And what if searching for God's will like this actually misses the entire point of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus?"</em></div><div align="center">from Follow Me by David Platt</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think this is what my waiting looks like this year... becoming more a disciple of Jesus and less Easter egg hunting for "God's will".</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, more of HIM... less of me... and in this time of waiting, I will choose His will daily... die to self...&nbsp; love others... serve others...</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."&nbsp; Luke 1:38</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-37357225993574493562014-01-08T15:36:00.002-05:002014-01-08T15:36:26.643-05:00One word for 2014Happy 2014!&nbsp; I hope your new year is off to a great start!<br /><br />We had such wonderful holidays this year!&nbsp; I don't know that they were really any different than years past but they were just perfect!&nbsp; I was sad to take down our tree (or rather watch my hubby take down the tree) and pack it all away.&nbsp; But now, it's a brand new year...<br /><br />So all over the blogosphere I've seen people writing about their "Word for 2014".&nbsp; Have you seen this?&nbsp; So many posts about "rely" or "simplify" or any other admirable verb or adjective...&nbsp; But of course, it got me thinking...&nbsp; <br /><br /><em>Could I boil down all that I'm praying for and thinking about 2014 to just one word?</em><br /><em></em><br />I honestly didn't think I could.&nbsp; You see, I have a tendency to use LOTS of words so getting down to one seemed like a big task.&nbsp; <br /><br />But then, after much praying for God's will for this year and dwelling on His words and listening to wise and godly women... It hit me.<br /><br /><strong>Wait</strong>.<br /><br />That's my word for 2014.&nbsp; Nothing super special or earth shattering for most but waiting for me is not my gift.&nbsp; <br /><br />Waiting means for me that truly not MY will but His be done... in my life... in my home... in my plans... in my marriage... in my family... in my hopes and dreams and prayers...<br /><br />The word "wait" shows up all throughout scripture.&nbsp; People were constantly waiting... for a sign... for a word... for instruction... for healing...&nbsp;for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes... for an empty tomb.<br /><br />They didn't always like waiting but they waited anyway.&nbsp; And I feel the same way.&nbsp; I don't like to wait.&nbsp; I am not naturally a patient person (about most things) so waiting is difficult.&nbsp; <br /><br />But I feel so strongly that this is what the Lord is asking me to do in this season of my life.&nbsp; <strong>Wait</strong>.&nbsp; <br /><br />Psalm 5:3 says "In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and <strong>wait expectantly</strong>."<br /><br />I can wait expectantly.&nbsp; The Lord knows my heart.&nbsp; He knows my deepest desires and I continually lay them at His feet and wait expectantly.&nbsp; <br /><br />"<strong>Wait</strong> for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14<br /><br />"Lord I <strong>wait</strong> for You; You will answer Lord my God."&nbsp; Psalm 38:15<br /><br />But I do not believe that God asks us to wait without hope of an answer.&nbsp; Without hope of the end to the time of waiting.&nbsp; Without hope.&nbsp; <br /><br />So maybe I couldn't boil it down to one word... maybe it's two... <strong>wait and hope</strong>.<br /><br />Praying and waiting expectantly for all that God will do in 2014.&nbsp; For me, my family as well as you and yours.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."&nbsp; Romans 8:25</strong></div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-56225182018078141892013-12-11T17:48:00.002-05:002013-12-11T17:48:41.389-05:00So many ideas!Okay... so I'm not good at keeping this blog up to date on a weekly (or really even a monthly) basis.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sorry!<br /><br />But here is my list of Random Acts of Christmas Kindness ideas for this season.&nbsp; It's never too late to start!&nbsp; Pick one day and love on some people BIG!&nbsp; <br /><br />These are a combination of ideas from people that are <a href="http://www.courtneydefeo.com/" target="_blank">smarter</a> and <a href="http://www.pitterpatterart.com/" target="_blank">kinder</a> and more on top of things than me...<br /><ul><li>take treats to your local fire station or police station</li><li>leave treats on your front porch for your UPS/FedEx person</li><li>pop treats in your mailbox for your mail person</li><li>leave treats (in a big Ziploc bag) on your trash can for the men that take care of this for us!</li><li>leave a happy note in someone's driveway with sidewalk chalk :-)</li><li>deliver coffee or hot cocoa to people waiting on the bus</li><li>take treats to your doctor's office</li><li>leave happy notes (maybe with a candy cane?) on the bathroom mirrors at Target or Publix or Kroger</li><li>tape money to a vending machine</li><li>hide money around the Dollar Store</li><li>give hot cocoa to the Salvation Army bell ringer</li><li>take treats to post office employees</li><li>hide small bottles of bubbles around a park for kiddos</li></ul>These are just a few ideas... come up with your own or steal these!&nbsp; The point is to bless others during this Christmas season.&nbsp; Slow down this busy time of year by thinking of others!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8wkBYKipfw/UqjqdI_O3RI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/JZYeSXUJMrQ/s1600/RACK1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8wkBYKipfw/UqjqdI_O3RI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/JZYeSXUJMrQ/s320/RACK1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-brkKBxz7g/UqjrGbb5sdI/AAAAAAAAB0k/WyKB1K468U4/s1600/RACK2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-brkKBxz7g/UqjrGbb5sdI/AAAAAAAAB0k/WyKB1K468U4/s320/RACK2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_IbaAwDUUo/UqjrE5oTTyI/AAAAAAAAB0g/0MhmjTbh_h8/s1600/RACK3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_IbaAwDUUo/UqjrE5oTTyI/AAAAAAAAB0g/0MhmjTbh_h8/s320/RACK3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Have a wonderful time spreading Christmas kindness to unsuspecting people!&nbsp; It's a lot of fun!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-76826476317139142592013-11-21T12:27:00.000-05:002013-11-21T12:27:48.304-05:00Change of plans...I can't even believe that Thanksgiving is next week.&nbsp; And then before I'll be able to turn around good, Christmas will be upon us! <br /><br />This is my most favorite time of the year.&nbsp; <br /><br />Thanksgiving.&nbsp; My birthday.&nbsp; Christmas.&nbsp; <br /><br />This year I decided I wanted to have a birthday party.&nbsp; Like a BIG birthday bash.&nbsp; I'm turning 35 in a few weeks and I told my hubby that a party is what I wanted for my present.&nbsp; <br /><br />If you've known me for more than a few minutes, you know that birthdays are big deal to me!&nbsp; Like a really big deal.&nbsp; I love birthdays.&nbsp; I love celebrating YOU on your special day.&nbsp; Every other occasion on the calendar is shared, which is wonderful, but birthdays are just for the birthday girl or boy and I love that.&nbsp; <br /><br />But God is has such a great sense of humor.&nbsp; (or I'm so hard headed it takes forever for me to get the message... let's stick with His sense of humor though, mkay?)<br /><br />The invites had been emailed.&nbsp; People knew it was coming up.&nbsp; The menu was being planned.&nbsp; Decorations had been purchased.<br /><br />Then God spoke loud and clear...<br /><br />Why is MY birthday about <em>getting</em> when it could be (and should be) about <em>giving</em>?<br /><br />So... all the plans were canceled.&nbsp; Scrapped.&nbsp; Nixed.&nbsp; Emails were sent canceling the whole thing.&nbsp; Text messages were sent explaining that yes, everything was alright.&nbsp; <br /><br />Actually, everything was more than alright.&nbsp; It was great.&nbsp; <br /><br />Now, my birthday will be spent blessing others.&nbsp; <br /><br />And actually the whole Christmas season will be spent blessing others with Random Acts of Christmas Kindness.&nbsp; <br /><br />This is not a new concept but every year, this one nearly included, I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of my birthday and Christmas and presents and cookies and treats and decorating and twinkle lights and everything else.&nbsp; <br /><br />If you read real bloggers like <a href="http://www.courtneydefeo.com/" target="_blank">Courtney Defeo</a> or <a href="http://www.pitterpatterart.com/" target="_blank">Laura Kelley</a> or <a href="http://www.traciestierjohnson.com/" target="_blank">Tracie Johnson</a> they've all said these same things... but much more eloquently.&nbsp; (and if you don't, you should :-)<br /><br />So, I'm focusing on kindness and blessing others and taking the focus off of myself and my "to do" list.&nbsp; Wanna join me?&nbsp; Or join Courtney on her Light 'Em Up 2013 challenge?&nbsp; <br /><br />I'll post my R.A.C.K. list tomorrow with some helpful hints about how I'm preparing so it works for my family.<br /><br />Think about how you can spread Christmas cheer with Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this year!&nbsp; The reward will be so worth it!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-80726930460426246532013-10-11T16:40:00.000-04:002013-10-11T16:40:14.045-04:00What do you do with chocolate chip cookies?It was a fall day, much like the ones we have been having lately, when I sat at her kitchen counter.&nbsp; I had been there before... drank her sweet tea before... talked about school and boys and life before... but on this day, it was different.<br /><br />You see, I met the Leslie family six years ago during a difficult time in my life.&nbsp; One major chapter of my life had ended and I was completely unsure of the next.&nbsp; I knew that God was in control (thank you Jeremiah 29:11 among the others) but I like holding onto the map and at this moment, I didn't have a map.<br /><br />So, at her kitchen counter I sat and witnessed the most amazing thing.&nbsp; Mary Leslie made her middle child chocolate chip cookies to take to school.&nbsp; Not break-and-bake cookies but actual, honest to goodness, homemade, with Crisco and all, chocolate chip cookies.&nbsp; <br /><br />This may not seem like a big deal but in the house I grew up in, I never saw cookies made from scratch.&nbsp; Much less that much time and effort put into a school snack.&nbsp; My house was different.&nbsp; But this house... this mom... well, I liked this kind of different.&nbsp; <br /><br />There was more to it than just the chocolate chip cookies.&nbsp; There was an openness and a sense of understanding and peace that prevailed.&nbsp; There wasn't any judgment to be found.&nbsp; Only love... and cookies and sweet tea.&nbsp; <br /><br />Throughout the years these cookies have been a symbol to me of the love that Jesus has for me.&nbsp; He doesn't take the easy way out.&nbsp; He puts in the time and effort and energy and most importantly, the love, that is required for homemade goodness.&nbsp; He gives me this love when I don't deserve it and haven't done anything to earn it.&nbsp; He gives me His best because He loves me.&nbsp; That's it.&nbsp; No strings.&nbsp; No frills.&nbsp; No buts.&nbsp; He loves me and because of His love, I love Him.&nbsp; <br /><br />So... what do you do with chocolate chip cookies?<br /><br />One thing I know about Mary Leslie's cookies is that they don't go to waste!&nbsp; You better be there when they come out of the oven or you may miss out!&nbsp; I've never seen (or heard of) Mary hoarding her cookies for herself but rather she gives them away.&nbsp; All of them.&nbsp; <br /><br />Jesus's love for me is the same way.&nbsp; Now that I know the love that can only come from our perfect Father in heaven, I have to give it away.&nbsp; I can't keep it to myself and store it up like cookies from a kid.&nbsp; It is so amazing and life changing that it must be given away if it is to be worth anything!<br /><br />How do you do this?&nbsp; How do I do this?&nbsp; Well, I think the answer to this question is just as perplexing as asking it in the first place.&nbsp; Are you at a place where you actually want to step out of your comfort zone and give away what is most dear to you?&nbsp; If so, then I would suggest reading <em>Interrupted</em> by Jen Hatmaker and <em>Radical</em> by David Platt and <em>Crazy Love</em> by Francis Chan.&nbsp; All of these books answer this question... Jesus loves me, this I know... now what do I do with it?<br /><br />For me, this means standing up for my convictions.&nbsp; It means talking about what Jesus has done in my life when it's not necessarily trendy.&nbsp; It means inviting people in to my home and beginning relationships.&nbsp; It means telling my girl over and over and over again that Jesus does love her and He calls us to love others.&nbsp; It means writing scripture on my wall, literally, as a reminder of His homemade goodness and mercy and grace.&nbsp; <br /><br />Now, what will you do with chocolate chip cookies?&nbsp; My prayer is that you will give them away.&nbsp; And give away the love Jesus has given you at the same time!<br /><br />"let us not love in words or speech but with actions and in truth."&nbsp; ~ 1 john 3:18The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-74435064966389858732013-07-16T13:56:00.000-04:002013-07-16T13:56:18.010-04:00First World ProblemsA <a href="http://www.surrealgrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">sweet friend (who knows me so well)</a> sent me this article today and well.... it hit the spot.&nbsp; Like that organic frozen yogurt on a semi-hot day in my air-conditioned SUV... It hit me square between the eyes.&nbsp; So, because I am so kind, I thought I'd share it....&nbsp; Then, if you dare, pick up <em>7</em> by Jen Hatmaker or<em>&nbsp; More or Less</em> by Jeff Shinabarger or <em>Radical</em> by David Platt or any other host of&nbsp;turning-my-world-upside-down (or maybe right side up?)&nbsp;books.&nbsp; But only if you dare.&nbsp; <br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br />In a recent <a href="http://www.today.com/moms/pinterest-stress-afflicts-nearly-half-moms-survey-says-1C9850275" target="_hplink">TODAY moms survey</a>, 42% of mothers say that they "sometimes suffer from Pinterest stress." According to Today.com, "Symptoms include staying up until 3 a.m. clicking through photos of exquisite hand-made birthday party favors even though you'll end up buying yours at the dollar store, or sobbing quietly into a burnt mess of expensive ingredients that were supposed to be adorable bunny cookies for the school bake sale."<br />This is what I like to call, first-world problems. Mad because those Valentines you spent two weeks making for your kid's party were outdone by another mom? First-world problems. Your teen refused to wear a coordinating shirt for your carefully-crafted family pictures? First-world problems.<br />I'll admit it: I've been sucked in by the radiating allure of Pinterest and the joy it promises. My DIY bangs turned out to be a hack job. My super-easy gingerbread men on a stick looked like the walking gingerdead. And that awesome no-fail dessert everyone was pinning failed on me. It turned into soup. And our guests, because they are Midwestern, politely insisted on sampling it and sipping their cake from their bowls like stew.<br />"Well, it tastes like pudding," our friend kindly said. They haven't been over since. I think Pinterest is trying to kill me. But you know what? First-world problems.<br />I tell this to my daughter. She is two and blonde and beloved by a whole host of wonderful people. So, when she cries because her strawberry pancakes have too many strawberries or because I turned off "Mickey Mouse" -- and not just cries, but throws herself to the ground in a righteous rage -- I have three words for her before I walk away: First. World. Problems.<br /><center><img alt="lyz lenz" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1130260/thumbs/o-LYZ-LENZ-570.jpg?9" /></center>Right after I got married, "The Today Show" ran a segment on post-wedding depression, a condition where brides sink into a malaise because they are no longer the center of attention. "You know what I call that?" My dad said when I showed him the article, "Whiny girl disease!" Now, I'm a mom and we're all whining over mommy wars and Pinterest stress and all those things that well-fed, middle class people with iPhones have to worry about.<br />Mommy wars? You know who has mommy wars? Women with enough time and disposable income to bemoan the fact that others are "judging" them for how they feed their kids? Pinterest stress? That's what you get when you need a problem.<br />I'm raising children in a privileged world. We have food. Money to save for an education. At 2, my daughter has a room that is bigger than any room I've ever occupied in my life. We can afford the fancy Easter dress. When we have a bad day, we can afford to get a special treat. I'm glad I'm raising a child in this environment. In fact, my husband and I waited to have kids just so we could do things like take vacations to Florida. But now that we are here, I wonder if we really are doing things the right way...<br />I remember as a teenager, I was upset because my parents promised to let me see a movie and then back-pedaled at the last second. I was like North Korea with a missile. "That is so unfair!" I whined. "At least have the decency to live up to your promises."<br />My dad lost it. "You know what's unfair? Having to make funeral arrangements for your older sister who died at 17 because your parents were too grief-stricken to handle it."<br />I should have stopped. But I didn't. "That's hardly the standard we should apply to this situation..."<br />"GET TO YOUR ROOM!"<br />I lost that fight and I'm glad I did.<br />And while I don't ever want my daughter to feel the pain of real trouble, I wonder just how I can raise a human in this blessed environment, where she is completely inoculated against such petulant, whiny diseases. Pain, of course, is relative. And having financial security doesn't protect against real problems. But how do I teach my children that petty problems aren't worth their time? That failure makes you stronger and that social media-induced ennui means you should probably shut the computer and read a book -- a real book.<br />I'm not saying this to be cruel. I love my children. I want what is best for them with every fiber of my being. But every temper tantrum over the fact that I bought off-brand Goldfish Crackers makes me see the bigger picture. <br />I don't know the answer to how to raise a kid who isn't whiny and annoying and who doesn't think that Pinterest stress is really a thing worth lamenting. But I do know that as a parent, it begins with me. I set the limits. We won't do Elf on the Shelf because mom has enough trouble getting cookies baked over Christmas. The tooth fairy only brings a quarter. There is no adjustment for inflation. Your birthday cake will probably always come from the store, as will your Valentine's cards for school. I didn't buy baby moccasins because the ROI on that investment was one good Instagram picture. Your food won't be all organic. Yes, I used formula. Walk to school. There is no second breakfast or special dinner for you. I don't do grocery cart covers or antiseptic wipes. I don't care if that kid took your toy, get it back yourself, that's street justice. I don't care if the neighbor sneezed on you, the flu happens. Time out occurs at anytime or anywhere, so be on alert.<br />This is where we begin. <br />My refusal to compare myself with the other mother I see on the Internet and to build a life that embraces the important and repels the petty. And I only hope that lesson extends. If not, I am building a backlog of "Oh, you want to see not fair?" lectures. Just in case.<br /><em>This post originally appeared on <a href="http://www.lyzlenz.com/" target="_hplink">LyzLenz.com</a></em>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-24562356559993958072013-06-03T14:27:00.000-04:002013-06-03T14:27:20.423-04:00The Determining FactorI'm a terrible "blogger".&nbsp; I put that in "" because I would in no way actually consider myself to be a legit blogger.&nbsp; But I am a very legitimate reader of blogs!&nbsp; I love to read and since most blog posts are short and very interesting, I read a LOT of them.&nbsp; (Much to the dismay of my sweet hubby)&nbsp; <br /><br />So when I read this blog post this morning, I wanted to share it.&nbsp; It is good, y'all.&nbsp; Like read and reread good.&nbsp; Like chew on it a bit and then pass it on!&nbsp; <br /><br />So, without further ado... The Determining Factor.&nbsp; Not my own words but very well written words by Bruce who lives here in Atlanta and volunteers with North Point Community Church.&nbsp; Thank you, Bruce, for this large nugget of truth.&nbsp; <br /><br /><h1 id="title">The Determining Factor</h1><div class="feature-image"><img alt="bruce-post" class="attachment-endless-feature-image wp-post-image" src="http://leadsmall.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bruce-post-620x379.jpg" height="379" width="620" /> </div><div class="content clearfix"><strong>Question: What is most important? A)&nbsp;The kids B) The parents or C) The free donuts</strong><br /><br />As a volunteer in the 3-4 year old room, I would say….the kids! (With a close second being the donuts of course.) This is why I volunteer in the Preschool Department at my church and gave up my illustrious preaching career. Well, there was also the fact that I couldn’t even do announcements without breaking out in a cold sweat.<br /><br />During my run on a church staff, I quickly realized the majority of parents let their kids influence their church attendance. The #1 time an adult decides to come back to church is when they have kids. Maybe the parents didn’t like church growing up. Maybe they have never even attended church. But at some point most parents come to the conclusion that a little&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;School could be good for their kids.<br /><br />I have seen parents who swore never to set foot in another church become regular attenders because of their kids. I have seen parents leave a church they love because their kids absolutely hate it.&nbsp;I have seen parents attend a church they cannot stand because their kids like it.<br />You could be the determining factor on whether an entire family comes to church to hear about God’s love for them or stays home to get dibs on the best chairs at the neighborhood pool.<br /><br />No pressure.<br /><br />That’s why I see my job&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;mornings as way more important than playing blocks until service is over. It’s not just passing out snacks and wiping bottoms. My job is to make sure my classroom is appealing enough for an entire family to come back to church. With this in mind, here are a couple things I try to do:<br /><br />•&nbsp;<strong>Engage the child on their level</strong>. I’m 5’9” and I work with a guy that is 6’5”, so I know how unnerving it is to be looking up into someone’s nose when I’m talking to them…..don’t be that guy! Get down on your knees to greet that little guy at the door. Sit down in the little chairs with your knees by your ears to talk to him!<br /><br />•&nbsp;<strong>This isn’t social hour!</strong>&nbsp;While it is great to make friends with the other volunteers, you are there for the kids. If you find yourself leaning against the countertop and catching up on gossip from other volunteers, you may need to take those skills to the Information Table at the main entrance. Remember, you may be the only person in many of these kids’ lives telling them about God, don’t waste the time you have with grown ups!<br /><br />•<strong>&nbsp;Hang out and talk with the kids as they are doing their craft.</strong>&nbsp;This is a great time to drive home the Bible story of the week. Remember you are not there to babysit….be relational! Would you leave your guest at the kitchen table while you ate in your dining room?<br /><br />•&nbsp;<strong>Connect before they leave.&nbsp;</strong>Before they leave ask each kid what their favorite part of their time at church was. This assures they leave on a good note. Plus, it gives them something to say when they get the inevitable drive-home question: “What did you do at church today?”<br /><br />Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down in the diaper-to-diaper monotony of the preschool world, to wonder “am I influencing these kids&nbsp;<em>at all</em>?” But I would ask that you take a step back and look at the big picture—look at what may hinge on your attitude when you set foot in your preschool classroom. Because, in fact, what is happening in your little toddler class is arguably the most important and influential area of the church each week. And the real beauty of working with toddlers is that you don’t have to choose the most important. You get to reach the hearts of kids and parents in one go (and get bottomless glazed donuts to boot)!<br /><br />What do you do to make sure the kids in your rooms have a great time and want to come back?<br /><br /><strong>What pitfalls do you find yourself in that restricts your influence with the kids in your room?</strong><br /><span class="st_facebook_large" displaytext="share" st_processed="yes" st_title="The Determining Factor" st_url="http://leadsmall.org/preschool/the-determining-factor/"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(&quot;http://w.sharethis.com/images/facebook_32.png&quot;);"></span><img src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" /></span></span><span class="st_twitter_large" displaytext="share" st_processed="yes" st_title="The Determining Factor" st_url="http://leadsmall.org/preschool/the-determining-factor/"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(&quot;http://w.sharethis.com/images/twitter_32.png&quot;);"></span><img src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" /></span></span><span class="st_email_large" displaytext="share" st_processed="yes" st_title="The Determining Factor" st_url="http://leadsmall.org/preschool/the-determining-factor/"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(&quot;http://w.sharethis.com/images/email_32.png&quot;);"></span><img src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" /></span></span><span class="st_sharethis_large" displaytext="share" st_processed="yes" st_title="The Determining Factor" st_url="http://leadsmall.org/preschool/the-determining-factor/"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(&quot;http://w.sharethis.com/images/sharethis_32.png&quot;);"></span><img src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" /></span></span></div><!-- .excerpt -->&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><!-- .entry-date -->&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><div class="meta"><div class="authorBio clearfix"><div class="authorBio-text"><h5>About Bruce</h5>Bruce is a father of four, husband of one and lives in North Atlanta. His children are in High School, Middle School and Elementary School, so he has an ever changing perspective on children and what makes them tick. He was on staff with two different church plants for NPCC and is now back in Atlanta working for a software company. Bruce has volunteered in just about every church environment you could imagine and is currently a small group leader with Preschool. He has been know to say that this is the most fun and captive audience he has enjoyed leading. </div></div></div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-80413103437603495292013-05-01T14:41:00.000-04:002013-05-01T14:41:29.334-04:00Teacher Appreciation WeekThese are not my own words but I couldn't have said it better and have nothing to add...<br /><br />"Dear Teachers Everywhere...."<br />By: Jen Hatmaker<br /><a href="http://www.jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/04/30/dear-teachers-everywhere">http://www.jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/04/30/dear-teachers-everywhere</a><br /><br /><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div>Before there were any books or blogs or conferences or studies, I used to be a teacher. I know. Petrifying. I taught 4th grade for three years and 1st grade for one. And then I had a bunch of babies and can’t remember the next six years.<br /><br />I was a very average elementary teacher who totally loved my students. And also? Sincerely sorry about all that homework, 4th grade parents. I wasn’t a mother yet. I figured you had nothing to do but complete my exhaustive weekly social studies packets utilizing your children’s higher level thinking skills and research techniques, because what every ten-year-old needs is five hours a week of additional geography work. <b>I’m certain now you wished me dead.</b> Bless it. (Several students have contacted me and they are all <i>I’m an accountant now</i> and I’m like <i>um, do you mean an accountant for your high school math team?</i> and they’re like <i>I’m almost 30</i> and I’m all <i>what exactly the heck just happened?</i>)<br /><br />Though I’ve switched to the fake job I currently have, I will never forget my classroom years, and I have a few things I want to tell you, Teachers Everywhere.<br /><br />First of all, I’ve calculated your earnings by adding your classroom hours, pre- and post-school hours, conferences and phone calls, weekend work, after-hours grading, professional development requirements, lesson planning, team meetings, extracurricular clubs and teams, parent correspondence, district level seminars, and material preparation, and <b>I believe you make approximately 19 cents an hour.</b><br /><br />And then people say, <i>yeah but teachers get three months off for summer</i>, and then we all clutch our guts and die laughing because WHATEVER, MAN. Like teachers leave on the last day of school and just show up on the first with a miraculously prepared classroom and a month’s worth of lesson plans. But seriously, thanks for the laugh.</div></div><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div><br />The amount of work and energy you pour into your work and our children is so astonishing, it is a crime that you don’t all make 150K a year. Since you couldn’t possibly do it for the money, we can only assume you love your job and love our kids. Can you understand how much we appreciate you?<br /><br /><b>You are doing far more than teaching our kids the building blocks of knowledge and learning; you are helping us raise our children.</b> You provide a second environment in which they have to practice respect, obedience, teamwork, diligence. We tell them <i>take initiative on your work</i> and they are like <i>this house is a drag</i>, and then they come home from school and say <i>I’m starting this project early because Mrs. Pulis says to take initiative</i>, and we wonder if you have magic powers or if our children are just willfully obtuse. The answer is…yes.</div></div><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div><br />That high standard you set for our kids? We freaking love it. Thank you. Thank you for insisting on kindness and respect, excellence and persistence. Thank you for sometimes saying, “This is junky work and you can do better. See you at recess.” BOOM. <b>All day long, teachers. We stand behind you. </b>Thanks for requiring their best.<br /><br />And let me tell you something else: I’ve always had kids who mostly eased through school, but now I have two ESL kiddos and my heart for you has grown forty sizes bigger. My littles went to school with virtually no English, and I am telling you: we wouldn’t have made it through that first year without you, and <i>I know what it cost</i>. I can’t count how many papers came home last year with this stamp:</div></div><div class="block image" data-type="image"><div align="left"><img class="image " src="http://jenhatmaker.com/users/71738/assets/blog_243258_2019880.jpg" style="float: left;" /></div></div><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Don’t imagine I don’t know exactly what that means. <b>Teachers, when you instruct our kids that struggle, I know you have, yet again, patiently pulled up a seat next to their desks, 24 other kids still in the room, and kindly helped them toward mastery.</b> I know you modify, adapt, adjust for their success, which takes so much time and energy. Children with emotional or physical challenges, kids with language barriers and personal turmoil, those who struggle to learn and retain, test and succeed, they require so much of you in the midst of your regular responsibilities, and <i>your patient attentiveness cannot possibly be overcelebrated</i>. As a mom whose children <u>blossomed</u> under the weight of your investment, I could throw myself at your feet and weep with gratitude.<br /><br />It’s one thing to have parents who sort of have to love you; it’s another to have a teacher affirm your goodness all year long. You know our kids come home and repeat every kind word you deliver, right? <b>I close my eyes and thank God that another safe adult is building health into my children</b>, especially since two of my kids have been subjected to such unsafe grown-ups. Your consistent presence is deeply healing for so many hurt kids. Your words are life-giving.</div></div><div class="block image" data-type="image"><div align="left"><img class="image " src="http://jenhatmaker.com/users/71738/assets/blog_243258_2019045.jpg" style="float: left;" /></div></div><div class="block image" data-type="image"><div align="left"><img class="image " src="http://jenhatmaker.com/users/71738/assets/blog_243258_2019047.jpg" style="float: left;" /></div></div><div class="block image" data-type="image"><div align="left"><img class="image " src="http://jenhatmaker.com/users/71738/assets/blog_243258_2019050.jpg" style="float: left;" /></div></div><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i>That is A LOT of daily affirmation. I feel exhausted just looking at this. </i></div></div><div class="block text" data-type="text"><div><br /><b>We know your task is incredibly difficult.</b> Be creative and innovative…but also teach to this test, which by the way, your pay and security depends on. Challenge your gifted kids…aaaand modify for those with developmental delays. Keep all those parents happy!<br />And oh, you do so much more. Serve on this additional committee. Volunteer to sponsor the Junior Class. Guess what you’re doing this weekend? Prom chaperone. You lead Destination Imagination Teams; it only takes 100 hours of your life. You coach, lead, sponsor, direct. You put on plays and programs, award ceremonies and graduations. You come early and stay late for the students who couldn’t get it, didn’t finish it, need your one-on-one help. You wear bandanas and paint your faces for Field Day. You are rock stars.<br /> <br /><b>Administrators, we see and love you too.</b> When you sat down with me holding your legal pads and pens, ready to learn how to care best for my incoming Ethiopians, and you wrote down every word I said and agreed to counter-intuitive requests like <i>please don’t hold their hands at first</i> and <i>please don’t let them over-attach to you</i>, you nodded and simply said…absolutely. <u>I will never forget that</u>. You are for us, for our kids, for our families, for our teachers, and we adore you.<br /> <br />You are amazing, Teachers and Administrators. From the bottom of my heart, I want you to hear it:<br /> <br /><b>Thank you.</b><br /> <br />You are so loved, so important. Your work impacts kids for the rest of their lives. I am 38-years-old and still talking about Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Stranathan, Mrs. Thomas, Dr. Russell, Dr. Lyles. <b>You don’t get the credit you deserve, so I am standing up today, applauding you, cherishing your investment in the next generation, in my kids.</b> I see the incredible amount of work you do, and I am forever grateful. You are heroes; there is no lesser designation.<br /> <br />Please remember when you are grading papers at 10:30pm on Sunday night, or pinning another incredible idea to your Teacher Board, or writing our kids another encouraging note, or throwing a party because they survived the latest standardized test, <i>we see you, we appreciate you, and we freaking love you.</i><br /> <br />BRAVO.<br /><br /><b>Your life matters so much and your legacy will go on long after you’re done teaching.</b> You are sending out visionaries, thinkers, activists, and leaders into the world, and we owe you a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.<br /> <br />Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We honor you</div></div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-352412112987887702013-02-07T15:22:00.000-05:002013-02-07T15:22:41.992-05:00Ups and downsThis post has been rolling around in my brain for quite some time.<br /><br />Funny how it works like that for me.<br /><br />I am a contemplator.&nbsp; I, typically, need to mull things over in my mind before really understanding them.&nbsp; I mean big things... life things... hurts and disappointment things...<br /><br />Last year was rocky for us.&nbsp; We had our ups and downs but looking back... we had a lot of downs.&nbsp; <br /><br />I have Crohn's disease.&nbsp; I've had it for over 20 years now and have managed it fairly well.<br /><br />Until last year.&nbsp; <br /><br />My GI doctor is great but I'd be happier if I didn't need to see him quite so frequently.<br /><br />We tried medicine and then had to totally change direction.<br /><br />I got blood drawn and the results meant more medicine was added&nbsp;to my regimine.&nbsp; And changed.&nbsp; And added some more.&nbsp; <br /><br />I've never been great about taking medicine because I'd rather not.&nbsp; But now, I don't really have a choice.&nbsp; <br /><br />One of the many lessons I've learned (loud and clear) is that my life is not mine.&nbsp; <br /><br />I don't&nbsp;have the option of taking medicine or not.&nbsp; About going to the doctor or not.&nbsp; About getting yet another colonoscopy or not.&nbsp; <br /><br />My life is not mine anymore.&nbsp; <br /><br />I have a wonderful, caring husband and a beautiful little girl.<br /><br />My family needs me and I need to be healthy.&nbsp; For me but also for them.&nbsp; <br /><br />This&nbsp;lesson&nbsp;has come&nbsp;with many tears because it&nbsp;has also meant decisions had to be made.&nbsp; Hard decisions.&nbsp; <br /><br />Really hard.<br /><br />But God is good and loving and faithful and I know that His plan is WAY&nbsp;better than my own.&nbsp; <br /><br />I cling tight to Habakkuk 3:17 - 18....<br /><br /><div align="center">Though the fig tree does not bud</div><div align="center">and there are no grapes on the vines,</div><div align="center">though the olive crop fails</div><div align="center">and the fields produce no food,</div><div align="center">though there are no sheep in the pen</div><div align="center">and no cattle in the stalls,</div><div align="center">yet I will REJOICE in the Lord,</div><div align="center">I will be JOYFUL in God my SAVIOR.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the footnotes of my Bible it says about this passage that Habakkuk's feelings were not controlled by the events around him but by faith in God's ability to give him strength... Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Learning lessons.&nbsp; Certainly not lesson learned.&nbsp; Yet.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just last night during our community group it struck me that my relationship with God is a two way street.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">It isn't all about me getting closer to God but it's also about God drawing me closer to Him.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">This isn't a new concept but last night it resonated with my soul.&nbsp; With my heart.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">"... and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself.&nbsp; Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My&nbsp;<em>treasured possession.</em>"&nbsp; Exodus 19:4b - 5</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am God's treasured possession.&nbsp; He carries me... even when&nbsp;it feels the weight of the world is on my shoulders.&nbsp; He brings me to Himself... because&nbsp;He loves me and&nbsp;for no other reason.&nbsp; I am&nbsp;His and He loves me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Focus less on the downs and more on the ups... like God's love for me... the God of my salvation.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYRdvUoKW_o/URQJxZY22iI/AAAAAAAABxM/SbtRugqZEd8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYRdvUoKW_o/URQJxZY22iI/AAAAAAAABxM/SbtRugqZEd8/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAqay7Mr0vc/URQJOjxTanI/AAAAAAAABw8/eWnodx7T-Ko/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAqay7Mr0vc/URQJOjxTanI/AAAAAAAABw8/eWnodx7T-Ko/s1600/020.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CwxLtNU_Ww/URQJxwA9WWI/AAAAAAAABxQ/4CapkTF5hOk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CwxLtNU_Ww/URQJxwA9WWI/AAAAAAAABxQ/4CapkTF5hOk/s1600/020.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPCNRjBxX1c/URQJfnnmHKI/AAAAAAAABxE/rSuKDb-ksHQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPCNRjBxX1c/URQJfnnmHKI/AAAAAAAABxE/rSuKDb-ksHQ/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are totally worth every pill, every procedure, every shot, every appointment.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Less of me... more of God.﻿</div><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-40560922477762859292013-01-25T15:26:00.000-05:002013-01-25T15:26:04.441-05:00Recap, Catch up, Rewind...Whatever you want to call it... I am behind.&nbsp; <br /><br />I had grand plans of blogging about all of my birthday fun (which was over a month ago) and family Christmas get-togethers (again... over a month ago) and our family Christmas but December was not kind to us.<br /><br />Our girl came home sick the first week and we spread it around, visited doctors on multiple occasions and my hubby even had to have minor surgery (not due to sickness - it was planned but still - surgery nonetheless).&nbsp; Our house was a germy mess in December.&nbsp; We had to cancel plans with loved ones.&nbsp; We missed super cute birthday parties.&nbsp; We stayed inside.&nbsp; A lot.&nbsp; We finally started to all feel better by Christmas Eve (huge blessing) but we still laid low through the New Year.&nbsp; <br /><br />Here's a little look back at the end of 2012...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFEvf3aGW1c/UQFHlRUjcmI/AAAAAAAABts/Pl3nvRa7_Hk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFEvf3aGW1c/UQFHlRUjcmI/AAAAAAAABts/Pl3nvRa7_Hk/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;We bundled up and enjoyed a (kinda sickly) family Christmas day!&nbsp; We had a yummy breakfast before seeing Santa and Pricilla, the Pink Pig!&nbsp; We rode the Pink Pig twice because my girl loved it so much!&nbsp; I got to ride with her this year because her daddy was still recovering from his surgery.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXLwbeuHWTg/UQFHoWdUE3I/AAAAAAAABt0/uFJkNTw-jgI/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXLwbeuHWTg/UQFHoWdUE3I/AAAAAAAABt0/uFJkNTw-jgI/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Even though we were inside a lot more than I would have liked, we made the most of our time with lots of the projects!&nbsp; This girl likes to paint, color and craft as much as her mommy!&nbsp; So cute!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjCJHN_5qF4/UQFH2erjGaI/AAAAAAAABt8/nk3ShnUdEgA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjCJHN_5qF4/UQFH2erjGaI/AAAAAAAABt8/nk3ShnUdEgA/s1600/003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;We also made Christmas cookies!&nbsp; They were LOTS of messy fun to make and yummy too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Xy1fDhyjc/UQFH9FaeYYI/AAAAAAAABuE/9ev4DWeth7A/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Xy1fDhyjc/UQFH9FaeYYI/AAAAAAAABuE/9ev4DWeth7A/s1600/018.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPTBgrMU_5U/UQFIENJ8V8I/AAAAAAAABuM/UTtiQKKIjtE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPTBgrMU_5U/UQFIENJ8V8I/AAAAAAAABuM/UTtiQKKIjtE/s1600/024.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Sickness made us miss out on one of our family Christmas parties but thankfully we were better for this one!&nbsp; Love that Mer is reading the Christmas story and the other cousins are listening closely!&nbsp; Our girl had a great time with her cousins and her new fun toys!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCT0OJFpnhM/UQFIWZnfUUI/AAAAAAAABuU/RBNav2-HJk8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCT0OJFpnhM/UQFIWZnfUUI/AAAAAAAABuU/RBNav2-HJk8/s1600/011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNPvDq1HuWU/UQFIZ90hBHI/AAAAAAAABuc/e9W2WNYp0i4/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNPvDq1HuWU/UQFIZ90hBHI/AAAAAAAABuc/e9W2WNYp0i4/s1600/020.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Grammy and Papa gave this girl a grocery cart and lots of fun food... a hint at things to come?&nbsp; ;-)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MY33YZZXzU8/UQFIg4S6zFI/AAAAAAAABuk/Jl2iWngJFb0/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MY33YZZXzU8/UQFIg4S6zFI/AAAAAAAABuk/Jl2iWngJFb0/s1600/049.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;We had a wonderful time on Christmas Eve with Meme and Papa at church and then home for dinner and presents!&nbsp; It was a LOT of fun and great to be with them for Christmas!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjIneL7gSY/UQFI33j3lcI/AAAAAAAABu0/kwsBYWCCxBY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjIneL7gSY/UQFI33j3lcI/AAAAAAAABu0/kwsBYWCCxBY/s1600/013.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;This Daddy loves this tradition of reading "Twas the Night before Christmas" to his girl!&nbsp; Special memories!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1CWGhljQ9E/UQFI_i7JZPI/AAAAAAAABu8/-x7T6JNiL_Q/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1CWGhljQ9E/UQFI_i7JZPI/AAAAAAAABu8/-x7T6JNiL_Q/s1600/035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;And Santa came to visit our girl!&nbsp; Guess what he brought her?!?&nbsp; A kitchen!&nbsp; Perfect for my little chef!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EMr0hx8kqtA/UQFJHRwS7sI/AAAAAAAABvE/k7X-tTJE0n8/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EMr0hx8kqtA/UQFJHRwS7sI/AAAAAAAABvE/k7X-tTJE0n8/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Even the furry kiddo had a good Christmas!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O9cgBMvpns/UQFJOBkcczI/AAAAAAAABvM/B-9iHk4qpm8/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O9cgBMvpns/UQFJOBkcczI/AAAAAAAABvM/B-9iHk4qpm8/s1600/062.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Having fun with the Leslies!&nbsp; This girl LOVES Papa P!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bjp_-UX25E/UQFJWzTNwYI/AAAAAAAABvU/fi_FxPoJgUI/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bjp_-UX25E/UQFJWzTNwYI/AAAAAAAABvU/fi_FxPoJgUI/s1600/090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Love makes a family!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Bs5_HkGP7c/UQFJfLxVnqI/AAAAAAAABvc/FaUjCt4WVG8/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Bs5_HkGP7c/UQFJfLxVnqI/AAAAAAAABvc/FaUjCt4WVG8/s1600/157.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>And our cute girl got ready to celebrate the New Year with our friends and neighbors!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIWyi0qgLRU/UQFJpMy__iI/AAAAAAAABvk/ct6xdQA26wI/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIWyi0qgLRU/UQFJpMy__iI/AAAAAAAABvk/ct6xdQA26wI/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So... goodbye 2012.&nbsp; Overall, it was a difficult year for us.&nbsp; We dealt with lots of health issues.&nbsp; We had ups and downs.&nbsp; Our girl started 2yr old PMO.&nbsp; But through it all - God is good.&nbsp; His mercies are new each morning and He knows the plan!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello 2013!﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-7406932916562543792012-12-26T10:22:00.000-05:002012-12-26T10:22:41.493-05:00Merry Christmas!Sorry this is a day late...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wshc8tEbipQ/UNsVarDyrdI/AAAAAAAABs0/idW5vvcTTY8/s1600/stanfield+christmas+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wshc8tEbipQ/UNsVarDyrdI/AAAAAAAABs0/idW5vvcTTY8/s1600/stanfield+christmas+2012.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div><br />Hope you and your family enjoyed celebrating the birth of our Savior!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-68667119447875932842012-12-18T22:37:00.001-05:002012-12-18T22:37:43.703-05:00too much...Sometimes I feel like life becomes a bit... too much.&nbsp; <br /><br />My whole family has been sick for nearly two weeks...&nbsp; <br /><br />too much sickness means too much laundry and too many tissues and too much coughing and too much medicine and too many trips to doctors and too much nastiness floating around my house.<br /><br />My sweet hubby had (minor) surgery on top of our sickness...<br /><br />seriously too much to handle.<br /><br />But then things like the tragedy at a sweet elementary school happen...<br /><br />too much sadness.<br /><br />too much sorrow.<br /><br />and I know that I have too much to be thankful for.<br /><br />My heart and my prayers are with all the families affected.The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-23405394374835371692012-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:002012-12-06T09:00:14.446-05:00Cookie PartyEarlier this week, we celebrated my birthday... sort of.&nbsp; <br /><br />I invited 5 cute little girls and their mommas over, along with Meme, to bake lots of Christmas cookies!&nbsp; This is how I decided to celebrate my birthday this year.<br /><br />I wanted to break my "rule" about mixing my birthday and Christmas!&nbsp; <br /><br />I wanted to invite sweet little friends over.&nbsp; <br /><br />I wanted to make a mess in my kitchen with love and sugar!&nbsp; <br /><br />I wanted to hear my girl giggle with little buddies as they took care of their "babies".&nbsp; <br /><br />I wanted to see icing all. over. their. faces.<br /><br />I loved every minute of this sweet, fun time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWT8XvbOGjE/UL5S9IODLZI/AAAAAAAABnk/kQRmuWrc4d0/s1600/IMG_6997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWT8XvbOGjE/UL5S9IODLZI/AAAAAAAABnk/kQRmuWrc4d0/s1600/IMG_6997.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">My girl was really excited about baking cookies!&nbsp; She enjoyed these mint chocolate chips too!﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHNvjY2WWHg/UL5UIliHzcI/AAAAAAAABns/2SJPNqvm0cI/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHNvjY2WWHg/UL5UIliHzcI/AAAAAAAABns/2SJPNqvm0cI/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;Little helpers!&nbsp; They were so interested!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_WfVW5IxQg/UL5WBb_couI/AAAAAAAABn0/zaKoQ-MsHjo/s1600/IMG_6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_WfVW5IxQg/UL5WBb_couI/AAAAAAAABn0/zaKoQ-MsHjo/s1600/IMG_6994.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Miss Molly and her momma baked "reindeer" cookies for us!﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVu5qroU-qg/UL5Wme59nTI/AAAAAAAABn8/sa3ulJs9rVA/s1600/IMG_6995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVu5qroU-qg/UL5Wme59nTI/AAAAAAAABn8/sa3ulJs9rVA/s1600/IMG_6995.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary Cakes and her momma helped make "reindeer" cookies too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjowFpuw4KM/UL-pvZg42zI/AAAAAAAABp8/WkS_Ewe_-M0/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjowFpuw4KM/UL-pvZg42zI/AAAAAAAABp8/WkS_Ewe_-M0/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We made Christmas crafts... Snowmen and Santa Claus!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUmGO9k4BN8/UL-p2gln-xI/AAAAAAAABqE/h8Nr4YwrfZs/s1600/IMG_7008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUmGO9k4BN8/UL-p2gln-xI/AAAAAAAABqE/h8Nr4YwrfZs/s1600/IMG_7008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Yay for Christmas fun with friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88gi3R_NVuU/UL-p58KGGZI/AAAAAAAABqQ/Rp_YTnbcOUY/s1600/IMG_7014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88gi3R_NVuU/UL-p58KGGZI/AAAAAAAABqQ/Rp_YTnbcOUY/s1600/IMG_7014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Mint chocolate chip cookies... be still my heart!&nbsp; These things are super simple and crazy, addictive good!&nbsp; Bake at your own risk!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-di5WjqVpHgM/UL-p9eFoSQI/AAAAAAAABqY/BKk0k5aZ-VY/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-di5WjqVpHgM/UL-p9eFoSQI/AAAAAAAABqY/BKk0k5aZ-VY/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Meme made each of the little girls (and big girls) Christmas tree shaped cakes!&nbsp; They were delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRf-zEQSnE/UL-qDxxrUyI/AAAAAAAABqg/YvLMj0tKaig/s1600/IMG_7019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRf-zEQSnE/UL-qDxxrUyI/AAAAAAAABqg/YvLMj0tKaig/s1600/IMG_7019.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The only "man" at our girls get-together!&nbsp; Baby T is so sweet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvmhRPZqwbs/UL-qID65QCI/AAAAAAAABqo/9f0JyeoKzWY/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvmhRPZqwbs/UL-qID65QCI/AAAAAAAABqo/9f0JyeoKzWY/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Emma girl LOVES chocolate!&nbsp; Maybe that's why she is such a sweetie?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3wT2JoN0xA/UL-qTpFu3DI/AAAAAAAABq0/lJOuxD7Et7I/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3wT2JoN0xA/UL-qTpFu3DI/AAAAAAAABq0/lJOuxD7Et7I/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Even our littlest friend was happy about the Christmas cookie chaos!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTPtU4RTcjs/UL-qWAUFiXI/AAAAAAAABq8/H3Lmeq21vBw/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTPtU4RTcjs/UL-qWAUFiXI/AAAAAAAABq8/H3Lmeq21vBw/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;A finished "reindeer" cookie!&nbsp; No, reindeer do not have to have the same color eyes... nor do they need a red nose!&nbsp; Creativity is beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QioERpC_yr4/UL-qf69ZlSI/AAAAAAAABrE/on-MonlfBE4/s1600/IMG_7047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QioERpC_yr4/UL-qf69ZlSI/AAAAAAAABrE/on-MonlfBE4/s1600/IMG_7047.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We were happy to have Miss Kate join the party after her school day was done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17vRq2AanSA/UL-qlRubYxI/AAAAAAAABrM/D-5z9IZMQCM/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17vRq2AanSA/UL-qlRubYxI/AAAAAAAABrM/D-5z9IZMQCM/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Sampling a reindeer... they clearly passed the inspection!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CA5SaS3Zjxw/UL-qoEigJmI/AAAAAAAABrU/YPpJis3TGG8/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CA5SaS3Zjxw/UL-qoEigJmI/AAAAAAAABrU/YPpJis3TGG8/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little lady's smile makes all the mess worthwhile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was inspired by <a href="http://pitterpatterart.com/monday/" target="_blank">Laura's</a>&nbsp;week of birthday kindness so on my birthday, we will be delivering all the cookies we made to local firemen, police officers, and other random people!&nbsp; I can't wait!&nbsp; ﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-5993958492691015072012-12-05T15:04:00.005-05:002012-12-05T15:04:55.694-05:00Family Game DayNot too long ago, my hubby and I took our girl to Georgia Tech for a football game!&nbsp; To say she was excited, is an understatement!&nbsp; She was beside herself!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyFQYHxidGw/UL-ks_IhkBI/AAAAAAAABog/tJXBs7vUqvA/s1600/IMG_6865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyFQYHxidGw/UL-ks_IhkBI/AAAAAAAABog/tJXBs7vUqvA/s1600/IMG_6865.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This little lady LOVES Buzz!&nbsp; She was so excited to see Buzz everywhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTTRCK6HLAM/UL-k3IgyHOI/AAAAAAAABoo/WB-6weFbd2g/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTTRCK6HLAM/UL-k3IgyHOI/AAAAAAAABoo/WB-6weFbd2g/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;A very proud daddy with his little girl in front of the Wreck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBdzY6SbPNw/UL-lDtcZtTI/AAAAAAAABow/cz-q5WWo_xw/s1600/IMG_6887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBdzY6SbPNw/UL-lDtcZtTI/AAAAAAAABow/cz-q5WWo_xw/s1600/IMG_6887.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><span id="goog_124005327"></span><span id="goog_124005328">We were waiting for the band and cheerleaders to parade into the stadium.&nbsp; Our girl was a BIG FAN of all this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTEKnl1-gh4/UL-mfSz-f6I/AAAAAAAABpA/wIKW9imem0g/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTEKnl1-gh4/UL-mfSz-f6I/AAAAAAAABpA/wIKW9imem0g/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We decided to forgo actual tailgating and walked to our girl's favorite place, The Varsity!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTVcBmvswEU/UL-msBWMfAI/AAAAAAAABpI/w-10R1MDN5Q/s1600/IMG_6928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTVcBmvswEU/UL-msBWMfAI/AAAAAAAABpI/w-10R1MDN5Q/s1600/IMG_6928.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;She was anxiously awaiting her red dog (ketchup only), fries, and of course - frosted orange!&nbsp; Healthy?&nbsp; Not so much.&nbsp; Crazy yummy?&nbsp; Completely!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ64oUbXdKM/UL-m0kcTeMI/AAAAAAAABpQ/urcGNRPld_8/s1600/IMG_6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ64oUbXdKM/UL-m0kcTeMI/AAAAAAAABpQ/urcGNRPld_8/s1600/IMG_6938.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Cheering on her daddy's beloved Yellow Jackets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBeKgRiIpyw/UL-m2t-FSVI/AAAAAAAABpY/ndlGfdhjDqw/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBeKgRiIpyw/UL-m2t-FSVI/AAAAAAAABpY/ndlGfdhjDqw/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Even though this girl missed her nap, she had a GREAT day!</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="left">I pray that God allows her to remember these fun experiences with mommy and daddy as she grows up.&nbsp; I pray that these times remind her of just how much she is loved.&nbsp; Love isn't about stuff... it's about people... and I love these two people!&nbsp; Such a memorable day!﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-91519957385618227232012-11-22T12:00:00.000-05:002012-11-22T12:00:03.884-05:00ThankfulI am thankful for so much but especially for my sweet, little family.&nbsp; <br /><br />I love my husband more than I could ever really say and we are parents to the greatest little girl in the world.&nbsp; <br /><br />God has blessed us abundantly and we are very, very thankful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTnBN7IneLg/UKqES0GimlI/AAAAAAAABlo/JL7xVHOmYv8/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTnBN7IneLg/UKqES0GimlI/AAAAAAAABlo/JL7xVHOmYv8/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those that mean the most to you!The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-77389658560641500542012-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:002012-11-21T09:00:11.498-05:00The Art Barn {again}A few weeks ago we had the chance to go back to <a href="http://www.theartbarn.com/" target="_blank">The Art Barn</a> with some of our bestest friends and my girl's Meme!<br /><br />My girl LOVES The Art Barn and talks about it a lot.&nbsp; She remembers Farmer Sue and some of the animals' names and the art activity.&nbsp; It is totally worth the money and the drive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqgF5NmC3hg/UKqBA89g1VI/AAAAAAAABj8/F_DJI23D4A8/s1600/IMG_6759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqgF5NmC3hg/UKqBA89g1VI/AAAAAAAABj8/F_DJI23D4A8/s1600/IMG_6759.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWwIOOBldV0/UKqBEapUfnI/AAAAAAAABkE/VrhCpYUCifg/s1600/IMG_6763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWwIOOBldV0/UKqBEapUfnI/AAAAAAAABkE/VrhCpYUCifg/s1600/IMG_6763.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My girl is showing Cakes what to do... Some might call it bossy but I prefer to think she's a natural born leader!&nbsp; :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz6TctUY5T4/UKqBJWUnYRI/AAAAAAAABkM/Ytuud63MRUs/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz6TctUY5T4/UKqBJWUnYRI/AAAAAAAABkM/Ytuud63MRUs/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TSOJ9IWQ0/UKqBM1FCplI/AAAAAAAABkU/xHukx9-on6M/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TSOJ9IWQ0/UKqBM1FCplI/AAAAAAAABkU/xHukx9-on6M/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;These girls are so funny... so different but they L.O.V.E. each other!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBsbla12EJg/UKqBSq2bbKI/AAAAAAAABkc/dSAdp01wYt0/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBsbla12EJg/UKqBSq2bbKI/AAAAAAAABkc/dSAdp01wYt0/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Even The Art Barn is more fun with Meme!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rO1H49CYzGI/UKqBYY5YaoI/AAAAAAAABkk/GwC6c-Mwjvk/s1600/IMG_6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rO1H49CYzGI/UKqBYY5YaoI/AAAAAAAABkk/GwC6c-Mwjvk/s1600/IMG_6781.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This is Strawberry the miniature pony.&nbsp; My girl loved her from afar but was a little apprehensive up close!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txy8DcLr4a0/UKqBhEJl_kI/AAAAAAAABks/PKqGXcfh1lA/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txy8DcLr4a0/UKqBhEJl_kI/AAAAAAAABks/PKqGXcfh1lA/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;No, she did NOT <em>ride</em> this horse.&nbsp; She <em>sat</em> on this horse for .2 seconds.&nbsp; She was not a fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljR3wQdEeh4/UKqBqHQwQtI/AAAAAAAABk0/UBl-dnLq-GA/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljR3wQdEeh4/UKqBqHQwQtI/AAAAAAAABk0/UBl-dnLq-GA/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;But she was pretty happy on the tractor!&nbsp; Buttons to press and a really big steering wheel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbIdMafhhaY/UKqBvvByefI/AAAAAAAABk8/Pmuyxz5kfUQ/s1600/IMG_6802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbIdMafhhaY/UKqBvvByefI/AAAAAAAABk8/Pmuyxz5kfUQ/s1600/IMG_6802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Love these sweet girls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwjPP8_5bug/UKqB1p92ClI/AAAAAAAABlE/_l68aYW9400/s1600/IMG_6807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwjPP8_5bug/UKqB1p92ClI/AAAAAAAABlE/_l68aYW9400/s1600/IMG_6807.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">The Art Barn is lots of fun!&nbsp; I'm sure we'll be back soon!﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-7234634180125163662012-11-19T13:47:00.002-05:002012-11-19T13:47:14.693-05:00Santa!Yes, I know I just bought our Thanksgiving turkey today...<br /><br />And yes, I realize that my tree is not up; much less decorated...<br /><br />But, yes, we&nbsp;have already&nbsp;visited with Santa!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQD3xA0T9FI/UKp78G9KI9I/AAAAAAAABis/TAdT_ZoXioY/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQD3xA0T9FI/UKp78G9KI9I/AAAAAAAABis/TAdT_ZoXioY/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;She was serious about telling Daddy what to write on her Wish List!&nbsp; I was a little concerned about her liking the big man with a beard this year but much to my surprise...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81flUH7oXnk/UKp8BfYt8WI/AAAAAAAABi0/YYokdoz4JNM/s1600/IMG_6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81flUH7oXnk/UKp8BfYt8WI/AAAAAAAABi0/YYokdoz4JNM/s1600/IMG_6727.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;She was REALLY excited to see him!&nbsp; At least while waiting in line.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiKMiP5LREM/UKp8HoLstKI/AAAAAAAABi8/4Mv1QZefGGc/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiKMiP5LREM/UKp8HoLstKI/AAAAAAAABi8/4Mv1QZefGGc/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;There were no tears shed but no real smiles either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIuUMdTZCIc/UKp8MuPYckI/AAAAAAAABjE/ZV9E5dmkCiI/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIuUMdTZCIc/UKp8MuPYckI/AAAAAAAABjE/ZV9E5dmkCiI/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This was her idea of giving Santa a hug.&nbsp; Maybe next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0HgkVA5-Y/UKp8WcU1qRI/AAAAAAAABjM/yhSa4S82ggg/s1600/IMG_6751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd0HgkVA5-Y/UKp8WcU1qRI/AAAAAAAABjM/yhSa4S82ggg/s1600/IMG_6751.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;And if you ask my girl what she wants for lunch after seeing Santa, she'll tell you "Barsity, Mommy!" So we said bye to Daddy and headed to The Varsity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pslc4IbO1ZQ/UKp8fesv5pI/AAAAAAAABjU/NsssXPfPpVU/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pslc4IbO1ZQ/UKp8fesv5pI/AAAAAAAABjU/NsssXPfPpVU/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Life is just sweeter when you add a Frosted Orange to the day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8tX2ewgu_M/UKp8kcMThAI/AAAAAAAABjc/G_4g5gPM7_Q/s1600/Santa+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8tX2ewgu_M/UKp8kcMThAI/AAAAAAAABjc/G_4g5gPM7_Q/s1600/Santa+2012.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the "official" Santa picture for 2012.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now we can get ready for Thanksgiving!&nbsp; Gobble, gobble!﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-36143441438680307162012-11-16T15:32:00.003-05:002012-11-16T15:32:25.988-05:00One of THOSE weeks...It has been one of <em>those</em> weeks around here.&nbsp; The kind where it would be nice to just stay in the bed but that wasn't an option.<br /><br />It started off with a little Operation Big Girl Room.&nbsp; I had been to IKEA for some shelves for our girl's bathroom but as my sweet hubby was putting them up... he hit a wire in the wall.&nbsp; Thankfully, he is very smart and his uncle is smart about this stuff too so... After Meme&nbsp;and Papa came over to assess the wire/wall dilemma... it was decided the wall had to be opened up so they could fix the wire.&nbsp; A hole.&nbsp; In the wall.&nbsp; And so it begins...<br /><br />Then my over 2 year old child decided that 1:45AM was a perfectly acceptable time to wake up that night/morning.&nbsp; And not go back to sleep until nearly 4AM after some very intense squalling and poop {a completely different post for another day...}...<br /><br />After little sleep, a bit of rushing to get food ready to take to our church leadership AND get my girl to PMO on time... I hit the side mirror of our car.&nbsp; Not like a little oops.&nbsp; Shattered.&nbsp; Mirror still attached but shattered.&nbsp; My girl is crying because Mommy might have let a few colorful words fly...&nbsp; <br /><br />She had a ROUGH day at school and I had to pick her up early.&nbsp; My usual 4 hour break was reduced to about 2 hours.&nbsp; Who really needs to go grocery shopping for Thanksgiving anyway?<br /><br />The next day was a breath of fresh air!&nbsp; Literally!&nbsp; My girl ran a few errands with me then we met sweet friends at their neighborhood park for a picnic and play date!&nbsp; Praise God for great friends and sunshine!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMJBfRV03lY/UKadPxgBxUI/AAAAAAAABgk/Aza5pB40opw/s1600/IMG_6825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMJBfRV03lY/UKadPxgBxUI/AAAAAAAABgk/Aza5pB40opw/s1600/IMG_6825.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5QYVeR4AA/UKadUBpCcpI/AAAAAAAABgs/aRgsJZat0uM/s1600/IMG_6842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5QYVeR4AA/UKadUBpCcpI/AAAAAAAABgs/aRgsJZat0uM/s1600/IMG_6842.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwcwk5vj0-o/UKadW_85OqI/AAAAAAAABg0/jefyyGiNms4/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwcwk5vj0-o/UKadW_85OqI/AAAAAAAABg0/jefyyGiNms4/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />The following day was fairly uneventful which was a blessing because the one after it... plenty to think about and react to...<br /><br />Let's just say... we have had lots to pray about this week.&nbsp; Lots to think about.&nbsp; Lots to schedule.&nbsp; Lots to consider.&nbsp; Lots to evaluate.&nbsp; And lots to be thankful for.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ueMsHX-Xo/UKaeXXF7T_I/AAAAAAAABg8/hLekovkbSpI/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ueMsHX-Xo/UKaeXXF7T_I/AAAAAAAABg8/hLekovkbSpI/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Uvx1xNz9Y/UKaecwgQEmI/AAAAAAAABhE/FaNP7gicsu0/s1600/IMG_6852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Uvx1xNz9Y/UKaecwgQEmI/AAAAAAAABhE/FaNP7gicsu0/s1600/IMG_6852.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;I rearranged our living room {again} while my hubby was out of town and made a little spot for our girl's crafty goodness!&nbsp; Thank you, <a href="http://pitterpatterart.com/storing-art-supplies-giveaway/" target="_blank">Laura</a> for the storage ideas and the nudge to get this done!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfpDLAuJ3Ak/UKafDAnlEXI/AAAAAAAABhM/yvXGbGaCN_c/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfpDLAuJ3Ak/UKafDAnlEXI/AAAAAAAABhM/yvXGbGaCN_c/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;I did {finally} get our Thanksgiving Tree painted.&nbsp; Now we just need to catch up on our hand print leaves and what we are thankful for...&nbsp; Thanks, <a href="http://www.babeofmyheart.com/halloween-hes-four-and-thankfulness/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BabeOfMyHeart+%28Babe+of+My+Heart%29" target="_blank">Andrea</a> for this whimsical take!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfWSShk4f7g/UKafGcqf5uI/AAAAAAAABhU/nBbzCWkJ2MA/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfWSShk4f7g/UKafGcqf5uI/AAAAAAAABhU/nBbzCWkJ2MA/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;I bought sunflowers!&nbsp; You can't help but smile when looking at these beauties!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPyGwaVRlZo/UKafIm-pFaI/AAAAAAAABhc/tzrVNOm78Q8/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPyGwaVRlZo/UKafIm-pFaI/AAAAAAAABhc/tzrVNOm78Q8/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>My girl helped me make break-n-bake Gingerbread Spice cookies for a sweet friend!&nbsp; Can you see the sugar sprinkled on top?&nbsp; Oh these are a favorite!<br /><br />No matter what may come our way this week or next or in the coming months or years; we know that our God is greater...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6YdT1DEO8" target="_blank">Our God is greater, Our God is stronger</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6YdT1DEO8" target="_blank">God You are higher than any other</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6YdT1DEO8" target="_blank">Our God is healer, awesome in power</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6YdT1DEO8" target="_blank">Our God... Our God</a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-2585921579057540852012-11-07T14:31:00.000-05:002012-11-07T14:31:00.194-05:00Spend the Night Party!We are "those" parents.&nbsp; We have never been away from our girl.&nbsp; At least we hadn't... until a couple weekends ago.&nbsp; Yes, it took over 2 years for us {read - mommy} to come to terms with leaving our girl with someone else for a spend the night party.&nbsp; <br /><br />She didn't just get to spend the night with any random person... she went to spend the night with Mama Mary, Aunt Tedda, Aunt Cay, Papa Paul, and Baby Will!&nbsp; To say she was loved and well cared for might be the understatement of the century!&nbsp; <br /><br />Our girl was SO EXCITED about her "pend the night party"!&nbsp; And honestly, after I got over my anxiety about it... I was pretty excited about getting an entire day and night with my hubby!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZvD2TPE1Fo/UJlhQDl3LiI/AAAAAAAABfA/dNA4UuUo2TM/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZvD2TPE1Fo/UJlhQDl3LiI/AAAAAAAABfA/dNA4UuUo2TM/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We're on the way to Mama Mary's!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APfqNSP_pYk/UJlhfJ2HVFI/AAAAAAAABfI/irQ2ET_RImg/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APfqNSP_pYk/UJlhfJ2HVFI/AAAAAAAABfI/irQ2ET_RImg/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Family picture before the big STN party!</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hubs and I hit the road back to downtown to do... whatever we wanted!&nbsp; We had one official plan {GA Tech football game} but other than that, we flew by the seat of our pants... just because we could!&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2a1l0m_Z_LI/UJliYSt6hlI/AAAAAAAABfQ/Y0lFNpcggyc/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2a1l0m_Z_LI/UJliYSt6hlI/AAAAAAAABfQ/Y0lFNpcggyc/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;It was fun to join the masses on The Flats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cust_7fbHBo/UJlifw0CWCI/AAAAAAAABfY/Q1kAqHnazRE/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cust_7fbHBo/UJlifw0CWCI/AAAAAAAABfY/Q1kAqHnazRE/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hubs is a die-hard Tech fan so getting to experience this with him is half the fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbH77LBiwMM/UJljQY5nrvI/AAAAAAAABfg/0wtyP8D4Jwc/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbH77LBiwMM/UJljQY5nrvI/AAAAAAAABfg/0wtyP8D4Jwc/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We saw friends we haven't seen in too long!&nbsp; Even this little friend was cheering on the Jackets with his dad... super sweet boy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdTaBfLn3QI/UJljWQTkCUI/AAAAAAAABfo/mb0o0aWARdE/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdTaBfLn3QI/UJljWQTkCUI/AAAAAAAABfo/mb0o0aWARdE/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My hubs loves taking me to places in Atlanta I've never been... thus we walked to The Vortex for a burger after the game!&nbsp; It was a definite experience and a really yummy burger!&nbsp; Thanks honey!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWFzlZbgvH4/UJljaAoDErI/AAAAAAAABfw/9BYFVTzQWQ0/s1600/IMG_6653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWFzlZbgvH4/UJljaAoDErI/AAAAAAAABfw/9BYFVTzQWQ0/s1600/IMG_6653.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little lady did NOT want to leave Aunt Tedda when we picked her up Sunday morning.&nbsp; She had such a great time with everyone that she sobbed when I pried her away and put her in the car to head home.&nbsp; </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for loving my girl, Leslie fam!&nbsp; She had so much fun at her first spend the night party that we might have to repeat it!&nbsp; Soon!﻿</div><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-6343054602786660322012-11-06T14:06:00.001-05:002012-11-06T14:06:21.335-05:00Some days...You just need a cupcake to turn things around!&nbsp; We had one of those days last week and I treated both of us to a mighty delicious cupcake!&nbsp; While this was definitely NOT on my diet, it was certainly needed for my sanity!&nbsp; This 2 year old is really cute and has the ability to be really kind but she also has the ability to drive me NUTS!&nbsp; So I drove to Cami Cakes (thank you, Jesus, for Cami Cakes)... sanity restored (at least for the moment).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJpunzbhfuU/UJcf6voDhNI/AAAAAAAABd4/vaMq0ooRLhQ/s1600/IMG_6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJpunzbhfuU/UJcf6voDhNI/AAAAAAAABd4/vaMq0ooRLhQ/s1600/IMG_6663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Mint Chocolate for Mommy and the rather large "Shrawberry" cupcake for my dear, precious child.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_scWcLpb1bU/UJldypUtEDI/AAAAAAAABeU/MA8APKIX5pw/s1600/IMG_6664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_scWcLpb1bU/UJldypUtEDI/AAAAAAAABeU/MA8APKIX5pw/s1600/IMG_6664.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">&nbsp;Yes, I stripped her down before handing her this massive amount of sugary icing topped with uber healthy fruit</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvO4exBZDeI/UJld4qHR5eI/AAAAAAAABec/wE4nPneLUeA/s1600/IMG_6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvO4exBZDeI/UJld4qHR5eI/AAAAAAAABec/wE4nPneLUeA/s1600/IMG_6671.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">&nbsp;Don't let her fool ya... she's NOT willing to share this treat</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sfHmw1sRgQ/UJleCMRwJUI/AAAAAAAABek/NO8waY6Cz2Q/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sfHmw1sRgQ/UJleCMRwJUI/AAAAAAAABek/NO8waY6Cz2Q/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">But it was oh so tasty!</div><div align="left">Don't worry... she didn't eat the WHOLE thing... And yes, I ate every last little, bitty, tiny crumb of my sanity-restoring cupcake!&nbsp; </div><div align="left">Cute little 2 year old girl - you drive me crazy sometimes but I wouldn't trade ya for anything!&nbsp; Especially fun little Mommy &amp; Daughter treats like this one!&nbsp; I love you!﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026444108587938776.post-13744647938934893322012-11-02T10:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T10:00:04.891-04:00Halloween 2012<div style="text-align: center;">Halloween... one of my favorite holidays!&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">There is something so fun about seeing little (and not so little) kids dress up and have a great time!</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are super blessed to live in a small-ish neighborhood that is filled to the brim with kiddos!&nbsp; Literally at one point there were something like 10 bambinos born in our neighborhood in one year!&nbsp; Anyway... the Hawkins family (friends and neighbors) had a Halloween party to kick start the evening and it was CrAzY!&nbsp; Not crazy like when you were "young and partyin' like a rockstar" kind of crazy but crazy like adults were actually tripping over kids!&nbsp; Their house house was packed with kids, costumes, parents, food... and everyone was having a great time!&nbsp; Here's a picture of most of the kids...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHw4zTaW3to/UJLTfid-joI/AAAAAAAABc0/e3pViqftdxU/s1600/Hawkins+Party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHw4zTaW3to/UJLTfid-joI/AAAAAAAABc0/e3pViqftdxU/s1600/Hawkins+Party1.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you see my little bumblebee?</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">After the party broke up, all the cute kiddies went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It did not take long at all for our girl to get the idea of what this was all about... and she loved it!&nbsp; She would point to the next house and say, "Get more candy there!"&nbsp; Ha!&nbsp; It was a lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2RA6cPgA_A/UJLU1ceyAwI/AAAAAAAABc8/BFZ6CD0AwS4/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2RA6cPgA_A/UJLU1ceyAwI/AAAAAAAABc8/BFZ6CD0AwS4/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving our house for the party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05W9UV8EEg8/UJLVBvuoGBI/AAAAAAAABdE/lR7iZKj_XP8/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05W9UV8EEg8/UJLVBvuoGBI/AAAAAAAABdE/lR7iZKj_XP8/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNV6FZ4n3t0/UJLWB8KScVI/AAAAAAAABdU/IKLKXCw424U/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNV6FZ4n3t0/UJLWB8KScVI/AAAAAAAABdU/IKLKXCw424U/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After calling it a night, our girl chose an orange tootsie roll pop as her treat to eat!&nbsp; She ate the ENTIRE thing and her little sticky hands left sticky little prints everywhere!</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also had a cute little tiger stop by for a sleepy visit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPPt1KqMIuo/UJLWzP3nj1I/AAAAAAAABdc/LrQuQ1xKlV4/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPPt1KqMIuo/UJLWzP3nj1I/AAAAAAAABdc/LrQuQ1xKlV4/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a spook-tacular Halloween!</div>The Stanfieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252907438768475266noreply@blogger.com2